The Department of Health (DOH) projected a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, amid the imposition of enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other areas in the country.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Laging Handa public briefing today (August 7) that imposition of stricter quarantine classifications will not stop the spread of COVID-19, but will further delay the increase of cases.
“Itong ginagawa natin ngayon, ‘yung paghihigpit sa mga quarantine restrictions or classifications, ang ating adhikain diyan ay to delay further increase, pero hindi niya patitigilin,” Vergeire said.
Vergeire also said the Health department is preparing for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.
“Nag-pe-pre-position na rin po tayo ng mga kailangang gamit, like oxygen, mga supplies, testing kits, at mga gamot sa ating mga ospital para tayo ay makapaghanda sa mga tumataas na kasong ito,” Vergeire said.
According to the initial projection of COVID-19 cases by the DOH, about 18,000 active COVID-19 cases will be recorded by the end of September if stricter community quarantine classifications are imposed for the next four weeks. – Report from Bea Bernardo / CF – rir
